How to Repair an Ignition Lock Cylinder

If your car's key isn't turning, it's time to change the ignition lock cylinder. Unlike the switch, which is the electrical portion of the ignition system that sends power to your vehicle's engine The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler that your key is able to slide into.

Over time they "wafer" tumblers wear out or break. The use of WD-40 or graphite may temporarily fix the problem but replacement is the only permanent solution.

Removing the Steering Column

Modern cars do not have steering column locks. Instead, they use a key that is used to start the car by pressing and turning the switch on the dash panel. This newer method is simpler and more efficient than the old lock cylinder method. However, there are a few older vehicles that employ the traditional ignition lock cylinder. If this component fails, it could be required to replace it in order to get the car started. This isn't a task for the beginner and should be left to professionals.

With a screwdriver, take out the fasteners holding the trim panels that cover the upper and lower steering column. This will give you access to the area around the steering column.

You will see an Allen head bolt on the side of the steering wheel closest to the driver. This bolt keeps the signal unit and wiper in the correct position. Unscrew the bolt and put it aside. Based on the year of your car, you might have three or four small screws with a flat head that hold the plastic cover over the turn signal switch in place. Unscrew these and set them aside.

To get to the lock cylinder you will have to remove the wiper/signal unit. This will require the use of a special tool or do it with a piece of metal like a cold chisel. Locksmiths can also make use of an instrument to remove bolts.

If the key can't be put into the ignition switch, it's a sign that the lock cylinder is stuck. You can call locksmiths or insert the key into the ignition switch, then move it to the ACC to press the lock cylinder's pin.

Locksmiths can use a shear tool to take off the lock cylinder or they can make use of a torch to cut the pin and then shave the pin to take it off. They can re-key the ignition cylinder so that it matches the keys you already have. This will save you money on a new ignition.

Replacing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition cylinder is the cylindrical mechanical component that houses and secures your car's key. The cylinder "reads" the anti-theft codes and matches your key to allow you to start or stop your vehicle. The cylinder is susceptible to wear and tear over time. It may also become bent or damaged. In this situation you'll need replace the cylinder to get your car running.

A damaged or worn-out cylinder may cause issues when turning the key, or cause the ignition switch will not move into the ACC position or RUN, or a warning lamp to show up on the dashboard. If you have a spare, try using it inside the lock. You might be able make the cylinder more pliable using graphite or WD-40, but this technique only works for a certain amount of time.

Replace the ignition cylinder when you have an alternative key. Follow the steps above to install the new ignition cylinder. Install the new ignition cylinder by making sure it's securely seated into the steering-column tube flange, and aligned with the keyway on the shroud. Consult your car's manual or an expert to make sure that the cylinder is properly aligned.

After the cylinder has been installed, turn the ignition key to ACC or RUN. You should hear a click that signifies that the ignition switch has been fully seated in the cylinder. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you'll be required to go through the anti-theft relearn procedure to program the new ignition cylinder into your key.

Some experts recommend having a professional replace the ignition cylinder since it is typically required to deactivate the airbag in the steering column to gain access to the cylinder. The replacement process will likely require removing the steering wheel and the ignition covers. This is a task best left to a skilled mechanic. They'll be able to take off the cover for the steering column and properly install a new ignition lock cylinder into your vehicle. They will also be able make sure that the ignition lock cylinder has been programmed using your key, and that it is properly started when you insert it.

Installing the Ignition Cylinder

Even though cylinders for ignition locks are no longer as important in modern vehicles because of remote start and push-tostart technology, older cars still use them. If your car's ignition switch seems to be stuck or you're having trouble starting the vehicle, a defective ignition lock cylinder may be the reason. It's a good thing that it's fairly easy to replace your vehicle's ignition lock cylinder and fix the problem.

The ignition the cylinder is a part of the system that connects to the ignition switch in your car and provides power to rest the engine. Many people confuse the phrase "ignition switch" with the ignition cylinder, they are actually two separate components. The switch is the electrical portion that connects to the computer in your car and transmits signals to activate the motor when you turn the key.

Ignition lock cylinders feature pins that move upwards and downwards to let your key slide into and rotate within the cylinder. Each movement of the cylinder and key creates friction, which keeps the key in place. However, as time passes the wafer tumblers may wear out. If the tumblers get worn out the key will not be able to slide into the cylinder or rotate it.

The first sign of trouble is usually a worn out ignition coil in most cars. The key could also get stuck and be difficult to insert into or out of the ignition lock cylinder. These are all indications that your ignition lock cylinder should be replaced as soon as possible.

It's not difficult to change your ignition cylinder, but you should only do it if are confident that you will follow the correct procedure for your vehicle's specific make and model. A full repair ignition lock cylinder (https://skygeographic.net/) manual for your vehicle will help you get the task done quickly and accurately. If you're not comfortable installing the ignition lock repair cylinder yourself, have one of our ASE certified mobile mechanics complete the repair for you at a time and place that's convenient for you.

Testing the Ignition Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part that fits your key and permits it to turn and start your car. It's mounted inside the ignition switch, which locks the ignition and reads the anti-theft code to allow the key ignition replacement to turn. The cylinder that locks the ignition is susceptible to wear and can eventually fail, leading to issues powering your vehicle or making it hard to insert and remove the key.

Some of the main indicators that your car's lock cylinder is about to fail are difficulty in starting it, or places where the key gets caught when you turn it. These issues are typically a sign that the cylinder is in need of be replaced. In certain instances, you might even notice an alert light on your dashboard that indicates an imminent failure.

As the cylinder gets older it may be damaged by corrosion or simply wear and wear and tear. This could cause the pins and tumblers to wear out and break or damage and stop the ignition of your car from unlocking. In certain instances, the ignition will still work if you move it around, but this is a dangerous sign that something could be wrong.

You can test your ignition cylinder to determine whether it's worn-out or if the key has been bent or damaged. You can test with a multimeter whether there's a voltage connection between the red wire connection of the module and the battery terminal of the ignition coil. If you don't find any voltage, the module and switch will most likely require replacement.

The replacement of the ignition cylinder typically costs $200 to $300, and it's generally recommended to have a professional mechanic perform the task. The process is made more complicated by the fact that you may require removing other components to access the cylinder for ignition, such as the steering column. The replacement procedure may also require you to disable the airbag system and reprogramme your key in order to work with the new ignition cylinder. This is usually handled by does a new ignition switch require a new key dealer. However, you can do it yourself if you have the right tools and the right instructions.